Why do I need a root canal?
A root canal becomes a treatment option when a tooth has gross decay, and the infection reaches the centre of the tooth. Inside the centre of the tooth are nerves, blood vessels, all of which becomes very painful when infected.
How is the root canal done?
We will first create a small hole to access the infected soft tissues in the middle of the tooth. All the nerve, blood vessel, and connective tissues will be removed from the centre of the tooth. The canals will be disinfected thoroughly and filled with biocompatible materials. Removing the nerves inside the tooth will not harm the tooth, it can prevent further spread of the infection. A dental crown is typically recommended after root canal treatment to strengthen and protect the damaged tooth.
What to expect after a root canal
The discomfort of the treated tooth can last up to 3 days. We typically prescribe antibiotics along with ibuprofen/Tylenol to eliminate infection and reduce discomfort. If a tooth is still in pain after a week, additional surgery may be indicated.
once the root canal has been completed, and the filling or crown is in place; it is possible to eat like normal and without restrictions. Once the infection is gone, and the tooth is strengthened, it will behave like it used to. That makes it possible to bite down, chew, and maintain normal activities without worrying about the tooth. This helps patients throughout Bridgeport get back to return to their busy schedules.
A restored tooth will look completely natural. Crowns can be created in the exact shade of the surrounding teeth so that it blends in perfectly. This way no one will know that you ever had a procedure completed. If you had a root canal done previously, you might want to have the filling or crown around it replaced with today’s version for an improved appearance.
“I don’t want a root canal.”
Alternatively, if don’t have a root canal endodontics procedure completed, the infected tooth will likely need to be pulled. This is essential for preventing the spread of infection. Once the tooth is removed, it will need to be replaced. The options for doing so involve wearing a denture, getting a dental bridge or having dental implants installed. These are all viable solutions but take additional time, and the recovery period is more extended since the procedures will take several steps.